Connecting a workplace to a coax or fiber network is a complicated task. While drawing the blueprint for deployment, you need to consider topographical and environmental conditions, the best equipment for the job, and the best installation methodology.
After creating the plan, you have to implement it, especially carrying out a project of civil engineering to make sure the cable reaches the desired destination. The process may include re-using existing ducts or creating new paths around and into the building.
However, the job is not done yet, as here comes the most important part- testing. Testing is a process that tells you whether the connection is working properly, meets the industry standard, and the network owner is satisfied or not. The process should be required on all the installations, even if the network owner has not asked for it.
There are three phases in fiber network deployments. Please stick with us to know these phases and the importance of testing in fiber networks.
1.Visual Inspection
The first step to installing a fiber network is to walk around and inspect the installation to check out the cable route, starting and ending point, equipment rooms, and pathways. It is also important to check the installation, equipment, and materials that have been used in the process to meet the industry standard.
Check whether specifications, design and safety codes have been met or not. If you find any problem, it should be noted and corrected later. Take a look at the cable placement to know where it has been grounded or bonded correctly and ensure the overall infrastructure is satisfactory.
It is important to pay extra attention to fiber optic cables, check for dust or dirt in the connector end faces as it impacts the performance of the network. It is also important to clean every connector regularly to maintain performance.
2.Technical Testing
After completing the visual inspection, it’s time to test whether the network is performing satisfactorily or not. The major parameter you need to measure in a fiber network is dB loss or attenuation. It is because a high optical return loss or ORL can create a laser within the system to prevent transmission.
It is also important to test the loss readings for every component, like cables, splices, and connectors, through an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer, commonly known as OTDR. It helps you identify potential issues in the system and specify the components from where the issue is generated so that you can easily find and fix them.
3.Document the Job
The final part of the testing fiber network process is documenting everything as if there is no written material about the testing being done. You can’t prove that it was carried out. It is important to confirm the format of the documentation with the client before beginning the testing process and try to mention every detail in your document.
Why is Testing Important in Fiber networks?
While there are many advantages of carrying out the testing process in the fiber network, we have mentioned the major benefits below.
- Enhances the Performance of your System
You should know that a fiber network is more powerful than other networks due to its speed and bandwidth. But, in the absence of regular testing, the fiber optic network may be unable to offer you the best performance. Therefore, testing your system is important to enjoy powerful performance all the time.
- Increases the Longevity of Fiber Optic System
Apart from giving a boost to your fiber optic network, testing will also increase the lifespan of your system. During the testing process, you can find out and fix the potential threats to your fiber network, eventually increasing your system’s longevity.
- Reduces the Downtime
While there are many frustrations in the world, the frustration of having a down fiber-optic system comes on the top. Regular testing will eradicate the downtime and maintain your system for a long time.
- Allows you to Upgrade the System
One of the best advantages of carrying out regular testing on your system is it allows you to upgrade or reconfigure your system with zero issues. According to experts, if you want to reconfigure your system in a different way or upgrade it, it would not be easy if you haven’t done fiber optic testing in a while.
The Final Words
When it comes to fiber-optic networks, it is one of the most superior networks among different types of systems. You don’t want to waste your money on deploying it and not enjoying the powerful performance of the same.
Therefore, it is important to hire professionals for regular testing so that you can enjoy the network to the fullest. Now, when you have known the advantages of testing, it’s time to take the action.
